The Kensington

Hotel review

Like those of all world cities, many of London’s top hotels tend to conform to a blandly glitzy look, designed to appeal to everyone and no-one. Not so The Kensington. From the moment you enter the lobby of The Doyle Collection’s London flagship it is clear you are in the hands of experienced hoteliers of supreme confidence and flair. The Kensington is luxurious alright, but it has something different, a homely, friendly and highly individual kind of chic that seems to be the hallmark of this Irish family-owned boutique brand. Added to this is the great advantage of its location in four adjacent townhouses in Queen’s Gate, an elegant white-stuccoed and pillared South Kensington boulevard, ideal for the great London museums, the Albert Hall and Hyde Park. The whole package adds up something very special, a rare mix of the hip, the arty and old-world elegant, in a strikingly feel-good colour-palette. The décor and furnishing of the rooms, and especially the fabulous suites is good to look at but more importantly intuitively guest-friendly, with a plethora of stand-out design features ranging from beautiful blonde-wood parquet floors, working fireplaces and TVs concealed behind gold-framed mirrors. Breakfast is served in what feels like a plushly-furnished library, the bar has a louche charm and food quality and service standards subtly reveal exceptionally rigorous standards of recruitment and training. For sheer attention to detail and for making the guest feel both welcome and special, The Kensington is a hotel to fall in love with and stay loyal to.

Colin Donald Review published: 11/01/2018